Rear Suspension Questions

[70_440-6Cuda]

Not home at the moment and haven't had a chance to pull out my manuals, but am curious what I have going on here -

I never even realized there were 4 shocks on the rear of my 'Cuda - I am assuming the upper bracket is aftermarket, and the bracket mounted under the frame rail is factory but I can't find a diagram or picture of the rear suspension for a '70 e-body in my Google search, so clearly I am doing something wrong because no matter what I put in I get mostly coil over conversions or Napa Auto Parts replacement shocks

My car is an A32 – Super Performance Axle Package car.  Why would someone add an additional shock mount if there is already a factory mount?

Also, are the front spring perches supposed to be bolted to the car - see photos?

Seems the more I work on this thing the more questions I have!?!?!?!!?

[EV2RTSE]

Yup only two shocks originally and they bolted up to the crossmember.  Things like extra shocks or using air shocks were common mods as the original springs sagged over time. At a quick glance the spring perches look ok.

[mtull]

Maybe an attempt to reduce axle wind-up and prevent wheel hop during acceleration?  1980's Mustangs used them

[70_440-6Cuda]

my understanding is the A32 Axle Package added the 2nd set of shocks.  I am assuming the brackets mounted under the frame rails are the originals, but why on earth would someone add an additional bracket right next to the factory bracket??

[EV2RTSE]

Those brackets mounted under the frame rails are the shipping tie downs. I believe they were intended to be removed after delivery but basically never were. I think every car I've ever owned still had them in place. 318, 340, 383, etc. 

[70_440-6Cuda]

Those brackets mounted under the frame rails are the shipping tie downs. I believe they were intended to be removed after delivery but basically never were. I think every car I've ever owned still had them in place. 318, 340, 383, etc. 

Thank you sir!  So should there be an additional bracket if the car is in fact an A32 car?  Do A32 cars have 4 shocks from the factory?  I have the broadcast sheet, and the car was originally a 4.10 Dana 60 A32 car.  I have some concerns there may be an attempt at a rebody, although no concrete evidence yet - just shitty workmanship that could be an attempt at a "restoration" so any info helps piece together the puzzle.

I assume the brackets mounting the extra shocks are aftermarket?

[EV2RTSE]

Yes aftermarket. I've never heard of any e-body regardless of engine size or axle package that came with 4 rear shocks from the factory.

[Katfish]

That's not stock, no 4 shock option

[70_440-6Cuda]

Well, that explains a lot - thanks!!!

[dodj]

Like mtull said, I'm thinking someone thought that extreme angle shock mounting might help with wheel hop. I don't think it would but....
Front spring mounts were bolted on from factory..not with grade 8 bolts like yours, but bolts none-the-less.

By the way...your trunk floor is missing....

[HP2]

As other have said, aftermarket. Not part of your A32 axle package. 

The front spring hangers should have studs pressed into them that use a nut on the front side. Looking at the bolts, they are flat headed, standard hardware store graded bolts. This applies to the second shocks mounts too. They also have nylon lock nuts on them. Thats not original

OEM bolts have a raised ridge around the head. Look closely at the shipping bracket bolts and you will see this ridge that isn't present on the bolts on the shock mount or your hanger mounts. Additionally, stock nuts will have an integrated washer that will seat and allow the nut to spin to torque.

[70_440-6Cuda]

@dodj that made me laugh- thanks for that!

H @HP2 should the front hangers have studs and nuts?  Anyone have a photo?  I have decided to try to get all this stuff back to factory while I am at it so any advice or opinions are really welcome

[larry4406]

@dodj that made me laugh- thanks for that!

H @HP2 should the front hangers have studs and nuts?  Anyone have a photo?  I have decided to try to get all this stuff back to factory while I am at it so any advice or opinions are really welcome

Here you go
https://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product/front-leaf-spring-hanger-bracket-70-74-e-body/

[70_440-6Cuda]

interesting that there would be a need to change the hardware - lots of questions with this car!

It was definitely intended for drag racing, or at least built with that in mind - we found the motor mounds had a plate welded across the rubber to basically create a solid mount, which explains the inner shock tower coming apart

Are the studs pressed in or can you buy just the hardware?  Are the aftermarket hangers accurate reproductions?

[dodj]

interesting that there would be a need to change the hardware - lots of questions with this car!

It was definitely intended for drag racing, or at least built with that in mind - we found the motor mounds had a plate welded across the rubber to basically create a solid mount, which explains the inner shock tower coming apart

Are the studs pressed in or can you buy just the hardware?  Are the aftermarket hangers accurate reproductions?

Probably changed front spring hangers for perhaps SS springs for drags and then back to stock. At some point bolts became an easier option.
I changed mine to bolts when I changed to an offset spring hanger. (I'd forgotten I replaced the stud plate due to rust. I think they were on a plate?